‘Hard… but if done well, an opportunity’: Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede
Addis Abeba – The newly named President of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, has described his new role as both a formidable challenge and a potential turning point. “The responsibility given to me is a hard test,” he said. “But if done well, it is an opportunity.”
In his speech at the handover ceremony, Lt. Gen. Tadesse also confirmed plans to restructure his cabinet, signaling a new direction. Confirming an impending cabinet reshuffle, he hinted at the need for capable leadership to navigate the road ahead. He also reiterated his confidence in receiving broad support – not only from the people of Tigray but also from the federal government and the international community.
During the event Lt. Gen. Tadesse signed a one-page document outlining eight key mandates expected of Tigray’s Interim Administration under his leadership.
Titled “Inclusive interim administration of the Tigray region mission implementation agreement document”, the one-page document bears the signature of Lt. Gen. Tadesse and his pledge “to uphold and diligently execute” the responsibilities “with integrity and dedication.”
The eight key mandates include mandates to facilitate the full return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) process to their original places and accelerating similar processes in remaining areas; and ensuring the swift disarmament and reintegration of former combatants in line with the Pretoria Agreement.
Among the most demanding tasks facing his administration is perhaps the enforcement of the rule of law and what is described in the document as “end visible unlawful activities that threaten public safety, stability, and peace.” This includes taking law enforcement and judicial actions where necessary.
Equally challenging is the responsibility of laying the “groundwork for democratic elections”. Accordingly, the intermi administration must prepare the region for free and fair elections by fostering a political environment that upholds civic and political rights and encourages political pluralism.
Additionally, the interim leadership is tasked with terminating what has been described as “unconstitutional and unlawful relations and actions” – including “affiliations” that undermine constitutional order, violate national sovereignty, or contradict the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement.
Reflecting on the scale of the task before him, he conceded, “this is not something one wishes for.” Yet he hinted at a pragmatic perspective, characterizing the challenge as one that, if met with “determination and unity”, could lead to lasting progress.
Lt. Gen Tadesse admitted that the war-torn region’s current crisis was not solely the result of delays in implementing the Pretoria Agreement. “There are deeply rooted internal problems – security, political, and economic – that were created from within,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of rebuilding a strong, centralized authority within Tigray, which he said was lacking along with cohesion; but expressed optimism that his administration will focus on restoring it.
On the path to peace, Lt. Gen Tadesse pledged his commitment to fully implementing the Pretoria Agreement and responding to the public’s growing demands. “The conflict has now eased,” he said. There will be a phase where [a new] political direction is possible and where the youth’s aspirations for change can be realized.
“The important thing is that even if Getachew Reda changes position, he and others who know the region and its complexities will be acknowledged and their continued role respected. I believe their support will remain unwavering.” AS
Crédito: Link de origem
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